KBgolf

New to shooting and post-processing in RAW. Using a Nikon Z6, shooting RAW + jpg (until I'm comfortable in RAW) and post processing using Cordel Pro software that originally came with the camera. I download pics to the computer, open up Cordel and see the pictures downloaded. Open up 1 to work on and it appears for about 4 seconds then turns into a series of thin colored horizontal lines. Pictures still appears in the file list but not on screen to work it. All the same for each picture. What am I doing wrong???

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Are you using the very latest versions of the software and operating system? Camera manufacturers do not give away their "secret sauce" (image processing formulas). So Apple, Microsoft, Adobe, Corel, and other third parties have to reverse engineer each camera's raw format and profile in order to enable you to process it. Perhaps you could find an update for your software on Nikon's web site? Double check to be sure ALL your operating system files are up to date with the latest "point updates".

If that doesn't work, you could have a corrupt memory card, or a card that isn't connecting perfectly with the contacts in the camera. Reseat the card and try again, or try a different memory card.

Do remember that all raw files contain a JPEG preview file processed in the camera. That's what you see when you first open a raw file. After the software processes the raw data, it should display as an image.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

When you become a RAW photographer, you become the decision maker for these considerations in post processing, where many had been decided by the camera for the JPEG:

1. Sharpening
2. Noise Reduction
3. Color Saturation
4. Exposure adjustments, general
5. Contrast, general
6. Highlights and shadows
7. White Balance
8. Lens corrections
9. Color space
10. Pixel resolution for target image share platforms
11. Disk storage (for the larger files)
12. Image file back-up strategy (for those larger files)

You don't have to understand all these issues, but when you do, you'll be much more successful as a RAW photographer.

Consider Bill's ideas for your display problems. Consider the trial periods of a week to a month, depending on product, for commercial software to edit your RAW. You might find these trial periods to be a more effective use of your time vs trouble-shooting Cordel. Double-check the minimum technical requirements of your equipment and OS before paying for any new software.

KBgolf

Thank you. Will check for software updates and switch the memory cards.

Ysarex Loc: St. Louis

Corel came with the camera? That must have been supplied by the retailer that sold you the camera. Nikon cameras come with a free copy of Nikon's Capture NX-D -- you can download load it from Nikon's website. Start by using that and get that Corel whatever off your compter.

Capture NX-D will allow you to convert your raw files to RGB images and it provides a modest amount of adjustment capacity. When you're ready to do more involved processing you can add additional software. A good option right now and on sale is Affinity Photo.

Joe

KBgolf

Yes Corel came with the kit, so from the retailer. Will make the change as you suggest. Thanks.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Initially shooting raw is EXACTLY the same as shooting jpeg. Processing a raw file can be considerably easier than a jpeg.

As you explore the improved dynamic range, you'll learn to expose a little differently - where you meter using the camera's spot meter, targeting the highlights in which you desire detail, and adding up to 2.5 stops of additional exposure to the camera's reading. You'll also learn to use the histogram in the preview screen to see if you are avoiding overexposure, and you'll learn to discern between highlights that are OK to overexpose - such as specular reflections off water or street lights in a night scene, and those you want to see detail in, such as a bride's wedding dress, the cake, or a white bird's plumage.

I don't know anything about Cordel, but I do use other raw converters - Lightroom being the one I use for 100% of my images.

If you decide to stick with Cordel, I would see if there are any updates to it (usually found in the Help tab of the menu, or just start a subscription to Lightroom/Photoshop for $10/mo. I think the latter will be less problematic for you.

KBgolf

Thank you for your reply. I did follow a previous suggest and deleted Corel and purchased another software for post processing. All in now working fine, working on pics and learning software now. Comfortable with camera and understand RAW vs jpg, histogram, +/- stops, etc. Just now advancing from jpg to RAW (crawling to walking). Thanks again.

photoman43

I suggest you download Nikon View Nx-i and NX-D from Nikonusa download center. Nikon view allows you to browse your images and has Nikon Transfer built into it (to download images to your computer.) . It also allows you to access NX-D to process your RAW of NEF files directly from View.

NX-D is free. It reads accurately the info and colors captured by your Nikon camera. It has the tools to most of the needed global adjustments, and some local adjustments done with Control Points. Nikon uses Active D Lighting to open up details in the shadows. You can save processed images as Jpegs or Tiffs.

https://imaging.nikon.com/support/digitutor/viewnx-i_capture_nx-d/functions/overview.html

https://www.nikonusa.com/en/learn-and-explore/a/tips-and-techniques/nikon-capture-nx-d-software.html


And there are other utube videos you can download.

The key to any RAW processor is to find one that works for you and then you learn to master it.

Nicholas DeSciose

That’s the best advice so far. After you become comfortable with the Nikon tools then get Photoshop CC with a monthly subscription fee of nine dollars or by CS6 Once you start utilizing the power bra you’re in for an amazing experience.

KBgolf

Thank you.

photoman43

I have switched from Adobe Ps and ACR to DXO photo lab, not because The adobe products did not have what I needed, but because,for me, they were so difficult to learn how to use, especially PS. I shoot mostly nature and landscapes and try and get the image right in the camera and my post processing needs are minimal. If I were a wedding photographer, then I might need something else.

milemarker17

Assuming you were provided with Corel Paint Shop Pro, be aware that it's not a RAW processor. Corel has a product called Aftershot Pro which is intended for RAW post-processing. It's okay, and it would undoubtedly support your Nikon-format files, but there are better solutions out there. It's too bad you deleted PSP, though, because it's a useful adjunct for anything to do with non-RAW formats, and it will perform functions no RAW processor of which I'm aware can do.

cherausmann

Not everyone realizes that Nikon raw files are a proprietary raw format "NEF" (I believe that's for Nikon Electronic Format) with file extension ".NEF" which can ONLY be processed via Nikon software, CaptureNXD and CaptureNX2 (NX2 which was discontinued in 2008, but several Nikon photographers still prefer to use including myself). Your csmera gives you options to shoot only .NEF or only .JPG but also .NEF PLUS .JPG. THE CAPTURE SOFTWARE is a non-destructive software with control utility point technology....which allows one to process images and THEN to convert those files to .TIF and .JPG with many output choices for color profiles for various printers, publishing media/display etc. You can also save to a format that is compatible with other software to utililize other editing features. Shoot in highest resolution available and process in highest res available for best results. Memory is really cheap these days. Enjoy!